Cop injured in 2012 farmers’ stir in MP dies

KOLHAPUR: An assistant sub-inspector of police who was injured in the farmers' agitation in 2012 in western Maharashtra died on Sunday after being in a coma for the last six months.

The Kolhapur police are now examining if murder charges can be applied in the case registered against 84 farmers and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS) leader Raju Shetty.

ASI Mohan Dinkar Pawar was injured when the farmers' stir called by the SSS for higher sugarcane purchase price turned violent. Pawar who was posted at the Shiroli toll plaza in the city suffered head injuries during the agitation on November 11, 2012.

A case was then registered. The initial post mortem suggests the death was due to head injuries.

Superintendent of police Vijaysinh Jadhav said, "Pawar was receiving treatment for more than one year. We will gather the medical reports, take the opinion of the public prosecutor and file the supplementary charge of section 302 (murder) of IPC against the suspects."

Pawar who was given a guard of honour was survived by his wife and two sons. His younger son Swapnil said they had lost the sole earning member of their family. "Since November 2012, our family has been visiting the hospital daily. We have spent a lot of money on the treatment. He was a good man and maintained good relations with everyone. The state government should provide us assistance as soon as possible," he said.

Dr Saiprasad who treated Pawar said, "Pawar was suffering from meningitis due to the head injuries. The reduction in oxygen supplied to the brain resulted in multi-organ failure and he went into a coma. We tried our best but he died on Sunday morning."

State home minister R R Patil visited Pawar's family and assured a government job to his son. "All possible assistance will be provided by the state government to Pawar's family. He died on duty. All the facilities that are given to the family of the police personnel who die on duty will be given on a priority basis," he said.